Difference between surge protector and adjustable voltage protector

Surge protector and an adjustable voltage protector are both designed to protect electrical devices, but they work in different ways and serve distinct purposes:

Surge Protector:

Purpose: 

Surge protector protects devices from sudden, high-voltage spikes or surges (e.g., lightning strikes, power grid fluctuations, or switching on and off of heavy machinery).

How surge protector works: 

It uses components like varistors or gas discharge tubes to absorb or divert the excess voltage to the ground, preventing it from reaching your devices.

Surge protector key Feature: 

Surge protectors don't regulate or adjust voltage levels. They only respond to spikes that exceed a certain threshold, often measured in joules (energy absorption capacity).

Common Use: 

Power strips with surge protection, whole-house surge protectors, etc.

Adjustable Voltage Protector:

Purpose: 

Adjustable voltage protector protects devices from over-voltage (when the voltage is too high) and under-voltage (when the voltage drops too low).

How it works: 

It monitors the incoming voltage and adjusts it if necessary. If the voltage exceeds or falls below preset levels, the device either cuts off the power supply or activates a protection mechanism to prevent damage.

Key Feature: 

Adjustable voltage protectors allow you to set the minimum and maximum voltage levels, providing more control over voltage stability.

Common Use: 

Devices sensitive to voltage fluctuations, such as appliances, industrial equipment, and electronics that need consistent voltage.

Summary of Key Differences Adjustable voltage protector VS Surge Protector:

Surge Protector: Only deals with sudden voltage spikes.

Adjustable Voltage Protector: Deals with both high and low voltage levels, and can be adjusted for specific thresholds.